Tom Felton, widely recognized for portraying Draco Malfoy in all eight Harry Potter films, has made his Broadway debut reprising the role in the stage production Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Felton began performing at New York City’s Lyric Theatre on November 11, 2024, marking a significant moment in his career and for fans eager to see him live on stage as this iconic character.
Originally set for a limited 19-week engagement through March 22, 2026, strong audience demand has extended Felton’s run by an additional seven weeks, now concluding on May 10. This expanded schedule gives theatre-goers more opportunities to witness Felton’s transformation into Draco Malfoy on Broadway.
First Harry Potter Film Actor to Join the Broadway Cast
Tom Felton’s appearance in Harry Potter and the Cursed Child represents the first time an actor from the original Harry Potter film series has joined the Broadway production. The play is set 19 years after the events of the original films, exploring the lives and challenges of the next generation, including an adult Draco who grapples with parenthood and legacy.
Felton expressed personal excitement about this full-circle moment:
“Being a part of the Harry Potter films has been one of the greatest honors of my life. Joining this production will be a full-circle moment for me, because when I begin performances in Cursed Child this fall, I’ll also be the exact age Draco is in the play. It’s surreal to be stepping back into his shoes—and of course his iconic platinum blond hair—and I am thrilled to be able to see his story through and to share it with the greatest fan community in the world. I look forward to joining this incredible company and being a part of the Broadway community.”
– Tom Felton, Actor
The Role of Draco Malfoy Reimagined for the Stage
Producers Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender highlighted the depth Felton brings to the stage, acknowledging the complexity of Draco’s character. They stated,
“Tom Felton’s performance as a young Draco Malfoy on screen left an indelible impression on Harry Potter fans around the world. His role as Draco undeniably shaped one of the canon’s most nuanced characters. More than just a foil to Harry, Draco was a portrait of parental pressure, internal conflict, and reluctant vulnerability. Over the years, this character arc has become a symbol of how people can grow beyond the choices one was raised to make.”
– Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, Producers
The producers praised the timing of Felton’s return, remarking,
“As fans of the wizarding world ourselves, we feel incredibly fortunate to welcome Tom into our Cursed Child family on Broadway and to offer Harry Potter fans around the globe the once-in-a-lifetime excitement of seeing him reprise this iconic role, this time on-stage in New York City. This moment is powerful on many levels—Tom will be making his Broadway debut and is marking a full-circle moment for not just himself, but for Draco too. He gets to inhabit Draco once more, but this time as an adult facing the relatable challenges of parenthood and the complicated meaning of legacy.”
– Sonia Friedman and Colin Callender, Producers
Felton’s Stage and Film Career Leading to Broadway
Before this stage return as Draco Malfoy, Felton has built a diverse acting career, including his West End debut in 2022 as Sam in 2:22 A Ghost Story. In 2024, he starred in Gareth Farr’s play A Child of Science at Bristol Old Vic, taking on the lead role of Bob Edwards. His recent film work includes titles such as They Will Kill You and Fackham Hall, alongside notable appearances in films like Rise of the Planet of the Apes, A United Kingdom, In Secret, Feed, Risen, The Forgotten Battle, Save the Cinema, and Some Other Woman.
New Cast Members and Continued Talent Join the Broadway Production
Alongside Felton’s arrival, several other cast members joined Harry Potter and the Cursed Child at the Lyric Theatre starting November 11. Notably, John Skelley steps in as Harry Potter, Emmet Smith as Albus Potter, and Aidan Close as Scorpius Malfoy, all transferring directly from the Harry Potter North American tour. Trish Lindstrom, who portrayed Ginny Potter on both Canadian and North American tours, now plays the role on Broadway.
Additions to the ensemble include Logan Becker, Darby Breedlove, Dani Goldberg, Alexis Gordon, Caleb Hafen, Samaria Nixon-Fleming, Kiaya Scott, and Maren Searle. Janae Hammond has taken on the role of Rose Granger-Weasley. Several cast members, including Smith, Close, Goldberg, Gordon, Hafen, Lindstrom, Becker, and Searle, are making their Broadway debuts with this production.
Continuing cast members include Daniel Fredrick as Ron Weasley, Rachel Christopher as Hermione Granger, and Kristen Martin as Delphi Diggory. Other returning company members are Chadd Alexander, John Alix, Megan Byrne, James Cribbins, Ted Deasy, Gary-Kayi Fletcher, Logan James Hall, Chance Marshaun Hill, Jay Mack, Bradley Patchett, Alexandra Peter, Dan Plehal, Allie Re, Gabrielle Reid, Isaac Phaman Reynolds, Stephen Spinella, Tom Stephens, Khadija Tariyan, Baylen Thomas, Julius Williams, and Riley Thad Young.
Evolution and Success of Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child premiered in London in July 2016, later opening on Broadway as a two-part play on April 22, 2018. It received critical acclaim, earning 10 Tony Award nominations and winning five, including Best Play. Following the COVID-19 pandemic closure, a condensed one-part version began performances at the Lyric Theatre on December 7, 2021. The shorter format was updated again for the November 2024 run.
The play was written by Jack Thorne, based on a story by J.K. Rowling, Thorne, and John Tiffany, who also directs. The production combines direction and storytelling with elaborate sets by Christine Jones, costumes by Katrina Lindsay, lighting designed by Neil Austin, music by Imogen Heap, and illusions crafted by Jamie Harrison.
U.S. casting is overseen by Jim Carnahan, while movement is coordinated by Steven Hoggett. Music supervision and arrangements are handled by Martin Lowe. The production is managed by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Harry Potter Theatrical Productions.
Impact and Anticipation for Tom Felton’s Broadway Debut
Tom Felton’s Broadway debut as Draco Malfoy has generated significant enthusiasm among Harry Potter fans and theatre audiences. His return to the role after nearly 15 years resonates as a milestone for both the actor and the character. Playing Draco as an adult navigating complex emotions and family dynamics adds depth to the narrative’s exploration of legacy and personal growth.
With the extended run and a talented cast joining Felton, Harry Potter and the Cursed Child continues to captivate audiences in New York City. The production’s longstanding success and recent updates ensure it remains a must-see experience for fans of the wizarding world and live theatre alike.
